A/HRC/15/13 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1, held its eighth session from 3 to 14 May 2010. The review of Turkey was held at the 12th meeting, on 10 May 2010. The delegation of Turkey was headed by Mr. Cemil Çiçek, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State. At its 16th meeting, held on 12 May 2010, the Working Group adopted the report on Turkey. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Turkey: Angola, Cuba and Saudi Arabia. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Turkey: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/TUR/1 and A/HRC/WG.6/8/TUR/1/Corr.1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/TUR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/8/TUR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Liechtenstein, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Turkey through the troika. Those questions are available on the extranet of the universal periodic review. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. In the introductory statement, the head of the Turkish delegation noted the benefit of the present review for Turkey and thanked all stakeholders who had contributed to the process and those countries that had submitted written advance questions. In the preparation of the national report, civil society consultation had been given priority. Inputs received at a consultation meeting in December 2009 and through an appeal on the webpage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been decisive in determining the report’s priorities. It was intended that that cooperation would continue. New developments had occurred since the submission of the report owing to the dynamic human rights reform agenda in Turkey. 6. Turkey considers the protection and promotion of human rights as a political priority. An extensive reform process, which included two constitutional amendments (2001, 2004), nine reform packages and new Civil and Penal Codes, was undertaken while struggling against terrorism. The Reform Monitoring Group, composed of several ministers, played a leading role in the process. 7. Turkey has adopted universal standards in amending legislation, accelerated the ratification of international conventions and intensified the training of law enforcement personnel and other civil servants, which has resulted in a complete change in mindset. Accession negotiations with the European Union started in 2005. In 2009, Turkey applied to become an observer of the European Fundamental Rights Agency. 3